Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB PC2-9200 DDR2-1150MHz Review

Introduction:

Memory, memory, memory. You can never have to much. Just as you need to keep things stored in your brain to function, a computer needs it for the same thing. How much is enough? How fast is fast enough? Well that is all based on your usage and your desire. Me? I like the fastest and the greatest, and that is where Patriot came in when designing the Extreme Performance PC2-9200 2GB Set. Patriot has been developing flash memory and system RAM for some time, and here they try to bump it up with a set designed for gamers and high end workstations. With so much memory on the market today, how do you know which one is the best for you? Well, that is what I am here for. I am going to put this set of memory to the test against several other manufactures to see if this RAM is truly Extreme Performance. For all of you nVidia fans out there this memory will definitely appeal to you as it is EPP certified which supports SLi.

Closer Look:

Here we see the memory in a standard blister type packaging with the back side clear to allow you to see what you are getting before you purchase them. Each module is sandwiched between two heatsinks made from Patriot's Aluminum Bladed Heat Shield Technology to decrease heat and increase stability. Included in the package are the two matched 1GB Dual Channel sticks, and a quick install guide to help you correctly install them into your computer.

The Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB PC2-9200 modules are rated at speeds of DDR2 1150MHz and have enhanced latency timings of 5-5-5-12. They are also EPP Enabled which stands for Enhanced Performance Profile, a technology designed by nVidia to make overclocking easier. To take advantage of EPP you must have a motherboard that supports it, as well as EPP Enabled RAM.

Patriot's Blade Heat Sink Technology takes a cool approach to keeping the temps of the RAM under control. The blades are secured to the memory chips themselves to draw heat away from them and disperse it away from the modules. The space between the PC board and the blades are totally opened allowing maximum airflow over the board and chips to keep them as cool as possible. This is great for overclocking, as the heat would get trapped in a closed heatsink making the RAM unstable.